EP2100085B1 - Casing for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, method for producing a casing of this type and heat exchanger - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a box for holding a fluid for a heat exchanger, a method for producing such a box and a heat exchanger,

From the EP 1 139 054 B1 a box for receiving a fluid for a heat exchanger is known. EP 0718581A shows a box and its manufacturing method according to the preamble of the respective independent claim.

This known box has a bottom with receiving slots for connecting pipes or flat tubes and a lid arranged opposite this floor. This cover is formed integrally with the two end walls.

The invention has for its object to provide a cost-effective and easy to manufacture fluid box for a heat exchanger.

This object is achieved by a box for receiving a fluid for a heat exchanger, by a method for producing such a box for receiving a fluid and by a heat exchanger having the features of the respective independent claim.

Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims. The subject matters of the dependent claims relate both to the box according to the invention for receiving a fluid for a heat exchanger, to the inventive method for producing such a box and to the heat exchanger according to the invention.

According to the invention, in particular, a box for receiving a fluid is proposed, wherein the fluid is preferably a coolant, which is why the box, without this being a restriction, is also referred to below as a coolant box.

The coolant box, which is preferably intended for a heat exchanger, in particular for a heat exchanger of a motor vehicle, has two side walls, two end walls, a lid and a bottom.

In particular, it is provided that the addressed end walls, the addressed side walls, the bottom and the cover define an interior space of the coolant box.

According to the invention, in the case of the coolant box, the bottom and both end walls are a one-piece molded part formed by a shaping method.

It can also be provided that, in the coolant box, the end walls are spaced apart and are preferably arranged parallel to one another, in particular transversely to a longitudinal direction of the box or coolant box. The same applies to the side walls, which are then arranged in particular in the longitudinal direction of the coolant box. Also, the lid and the bottom are in particular spaced from each other.

Particularly preferably, the shaping process is a drawing process, in particular a deep-drawing process, and / or a hydroforming and / or a compression molding.

The floor is preferably curved.

One or more receiving openings for pipes may be provided in the floor, in particular for connecting pipes. The tubes can be designed, for example, as flat tubes and be part of a tube and fin block. It can also be provided that a separate opening in the bottom is provided for each separate tube. But it can also be provided a large opening for receiving all the tubes of the tube-fin block.

According to the invention it is provided that the at least one end wall has a folding or bending line along which the at least one end wall is hinged or bendable.

The folding or bending line can extend in a predeterminable height of the at least one end wall, in particular transversely to a longitudinal direction of the floor.

Preferably, the predetermined height is in or near a plane which is determined by lower edges of the side parts.

Further, according to the invention, a first region of the at least one end wall, which is arranged below the folding or bending line, is pulled, in particular deep-drawn, and a second region of the at least one end wall, which is arranged above the folding or bending line, around the latter folded or bent.

In a further alternative embodiment, the at least one end wall is pulled in the entire or completely, in particular deep-drawn.

Preferably, it can also be provided that the at least one end wall has at least one, in particular laterally arranged and / or bendable, tab and / or installation. The at least one tab and / or assembly may be angled such that it is substantially parallel to one of the side walls and / or connected to one of the side walls, in particular by a solder joint.

Also, in the molded part at least one, in particular two, substantially triangular, recess may be formed in a transition region between the bottom and the at least one end wall. This can be provided in particular to simplify a processing of the one-piece molding, in particular a bending or folding or flaps.

In the lid, a recess, preferably in the manner of a bead or as a bead or groove formed may be provided, which extends in particular transversely to a longitudinal direction of the lid and into which a wall, in particular one of the two end walls of the coolant box extends ,

It is particularly preferred that several such depressions are provided. It can be provided, for example, which is particularly preferred that such a depression is provided in the lid for each of the two end walls. The recess (s) of the lid are in particular formed break-through.

It can further be provided that - alternatively or additionally - a recess is provided in the lid, in which a partition extends, which divides the interior of the coolant box in Teilkammem. In the following, the recess is referred to for simplification, wherein it should be noted that in a preferred embodiment a plurality of recesses are provided, in particular one or more recesses for the end walls of the coolant box.

In a preferred embodiment, the lid is U-shaped in cross-section so as to form two spaced-apart flanges connected by an intermediate connecting portion, a lid base. This U-shape can be formed for example from vertical or approximately vertical sections. Rounded designs are also preferred.

The lid may be inserted into the coolant box in such a way that the flanges surround the side walls of the coolant box from the outside.

In a particularly preferred embodiment extend from the flanges of the U-shape, which are also referred to as legs, tabs, which are particularly preferably arcuately shaped. These tabs preferably surround the side walls of the coolant box. It can be preferably provided that the cover is inserted into the coolant box, that the flanges protrude in the direction away from the bottom of the coolant tank direction of the connecting portion and connect at the ends located in this direction the tabs, which are then bent outwards so that they surround the side walls of the coolant box from the outside. It is provided in particular that - seen in the longitudinal direction of the coolant box - a plurality of spaced such tabs are provided on the lid.

In the inventive method for producing a box for receiving a fluid, such as a coolant, for a heat exchanger, in particular for producing the coolant box according to the invention, an interior of the box by walls, in particular by two side walls, two end walls, a lid and the lid opposite ground, limited.

For the manufacture of the box is an integral part, which includes the bottom, and the two end walls, and two side walls. by a separation process, in particular by punching.

According to the invention, the one-piece part is further processed by a shaping method, in particular for the production of the coolant box pulled, in particular deep-drawn, and / or hydroformed and / or molded, wherein the at least one end wall, in particular - in the case that the one-piece part has both end walls - the two end walls, at least partially formed or will.

Finally, the one-piece part with another part or other parts, which or which form the other walls defining the interior of the box walls, for forming the coolant box, in particular by solder plating, connected.

In the production, it can preferably be provided to form the at least one end wall, in particular the two end walls, throughout or completely by the shaping method.

However, it can also be provided to further form the at least one end wall, in particular the two end walls, only up to a partial height by the shaping process and then for a residual height by folding or bending.

The heat exchanger, in particular a radiator for a motor vehicle, has a tube-fin block and a box or coolant box according to the invention, wherein tubes of the tube-and-fin block open into the bottom of the box in the latter.

It is advantageous that the molded part is made of a one-piece, pre-punched part, in particular of sheet metal.

Advantageously, the heat exchanger, in particular radiator for a motor vehicle, with a tube-rib block and a box according to one of preceding claims, wherein the tubes of the tube-fin block in the region of the bottom of the box in these open.

It is advantageous that the at least one end wall, in particular the two end walls, is formed overall by the shaping method.

It is advantageous that the at least one end wall, in particular the two end walls, is formed only up to a partial height by the shaping method and for a residual height by folding or bending.

Fig. 1a

einen beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Wärmetauscher, der als Kühler ausgebildet ist, mit einem beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Kasten zur Aufnahme eines Fluids, der hier ein Kühlmittelkasten ist;

Fig. 1b

den Wärmetauscher gemäß Fig. 1 in einer Ansicht von oben;

Fig. 1c

eine Seitenansicht des Wärmetauschers gemäß Fig. 1;

Fig. 2a

eine Einheit eines Kühlmittelkastens des Wärmetauschers gemäß Fig. 1, die zwei Seitenwände, zwei Stirnwände und einen Boden aufweist in Draufsicht auf eine der beiden Seitenwände;

Fig. 2b

die Einheit gemäß Fig. 2a in Draufsicht auf den Boden;

Fig. 2c

die Einheit gemäß Fig. 2a in Draufsicht auf die andere der beiden Seitenwände;

Fig. 2d

eine teilweise Schnittansicht entlang der Linie A-A aus Fig. 2b;

Fig. 2e

eine (Schnitt)Ansicht der Gestaltung gemäß Fig. 2a von rechts;

Fig. 2f

eine Schnittansicht entlang der Linie B-B aus Fig. 2b;

Fig. 3a

eine beispielhafte Gestaltung eines Deckels eines erfindungsgemäßen Kastens in Seitenansicht, wobei diese Gestaltung des Deckels insbesondere bei der Gestaltung gemäß Fig. 1a bis 3k gegeben ist;

Fig. 3b

den Deckel gemäß Fig. 3a in Draufsicht;

Fig. 3c

den Deckel gemäß Fig. 3a in dreidimensionaler Schrägansicht von unten;

Fig. 3d

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie C-C aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3e

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie D-D aus Fig. 3b in teilweiser Ansicht;

Fig. 3f

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie E-E aus Fig. 3b;

Fig. 3g

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie F-F aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3h

einen Schnitt entlang der Linie G-G aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 3i

eine Schrägansicht auf einen mit Laschen versehenen Abschnitt des Deckels gemäß Fig. 3a von oben;

Fig. 3k

einen vergrößerten Ausschnitt aus Fig. 3a;

Fig. 4

einen Ausschnitt eines beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Kastens, wobei die Gestaltung gemäß Fig. 4 insbesondere auch in der Gestaltung gemäß den Fig. 1a bis 3k gegeben sein kann;

Fig. 5

eine Draufsicht auf die Gestaltung gemäß Fig. 4;

Fig. 6

einen perspektivisch dargestellten Ausschnitt eines beispielhaften erfindungsgemäßen Kühlmittelkastens, wobei die Gestaltung gemäß Fig. 6 auch in der Gestaltung gemäß den Fig. 1a bis 3k gegeben sein kann;

Fig. 7a bis 7d

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 8a bis 8d

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 9

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 10

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 11

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht eines Details einer Deckel-Kastenverbindung;

Fig. 13a bis 13c

eine Ansicht eines Kastens;

Fig. 14a bis 14c

eine Ansicht eines Deckels; und

Fig. 15

eine Ansicht eines Wärmetauschers.

In the following, embodiments of the invention will be explained with reference to the figures. It shows:

Fig. 1a

an exemplary heat exchanger according to the invention, which is designed as a cooler, with an exemplary box according to the invention for receiving a fluid, which is here a coolant box;

Fig. 1b

the heat exchanger according to Fig. 1 in a view from above;

Fig. 1c

a side view of the heat exchanger according to Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 2a

a unit of a coolant box of the heat exchanger according to Fig. 1 having two side walls, two end walls and a bottom in plan view of one of the two side walls;

Fig. 2b

the unit according to Fig. 2a in plan view of the ground;

Fig. 2c

the unit according to Fig. 2a in plan view of the other of the two side walls;

Fig. 2d

a partial sectional view taken along the line AA Fig. 2b ;

Fig. 2e

a (sectional) view of the design according to Fig. 2a from the right;

Fig. 2f

a sectional view taken along the line BB Fig. 2b ;

Fig. 3a

an exemplary design of a lid of a box according to the invention in side view, said design of the lid in particular in the design according to Fig. 1a to 3k given is;

Fig. 3b

the lid according to Fig. 3a in plan view;

Fig. 3c

the lid according to Fig. 3a in a three-dimensional oblique view from below;

Fig. 3d

a section along the line CC Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 3e

a section along the line DD Fig. 3b in partial view;

Fig. 3f

a section along the line EE Fig. 3b ;

Fig. 3g

a section along the line FF Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 3h

a section along the line GG Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 3i

an oblique view of a tabbed portion of the lid according to Fig. 3a from above;

Fig. 3k

an enlarged section Fig. 3a ;

Fig. 4

a section of an exemplary box according to the invention, the design according to Fig. 4 especially in the design according to the Fig. 1a to 3k can be given;

Fig. 5

a plan view of the design according to Fig. 4 ;

Fig. 6

a perspective section of an exemplary coolant box according to the invention, wherein the design according to Fig. 6 also in the design according to the Fig. 1a to 3k can be given;

Fig. 7a to 7d

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 8a to 8d

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 9

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 10

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 11

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 12

a view of a detail of a lid-box connection;

Fig. 13a to 13c

a view of a box;

Fig. 14a to 14c

a view of a lid; and

Fig. 15

a view of a heat exchanger.

The FIGS. 1 a to 5 show an exemplary embodiment of a heat transfer 1 according to the invention with a box according to the invention for receiving a fluid. This box for receiving a fluid is in particular a coolant box, so that in the following for simplicity is spoken by the coolant box.

The heat exchanger 1 has a first coolant box 10 and a second coolant box 12 spaced therefrom, as well as a tube-and-fin block 14, which is arranged between these coolant box 10, 12.

The tube-fin block 14 has a plurality of parallel aligned connecting tubes, which are designed in this example as flat tubes, on. Between these connecting tubes are - formed transversely to their longitudinal direction-tube spaces in which ribs are arranged in a known manner, in such a way that the tube-fin block can be traversed transversely to the plane formed by the tube assembly of air.

The connecting tubes of the tube-fin block 14 each open at a first end into the first coolant box 10 and at its second end into the second coolant box 12.

The coolant boxes 10, 12 each have a first unit 16 or 16a, and a lid 18 or 18a.

The first unit 16 or 16a has on the lid 18 and 18a opposite side on a bottom 20 and 20a. Further, the first unit 16, 16a, a first side wall 22 and 22a, one of these first side wall 22, 22a opposite second side wall 24, 24a, a the interior of the coolant box 10 and 12 in a first orientation of his (indicated by the double arrow 30) ) Longitudinally delimiting first end wall 26 or 26a and a said inner space of the first 10 and second coolant box in the opposite orientation (this longitudinal direction 30) limiting the second end wall 28 and 28a. The side walls 22, 24 and 22a, 24a and the bottom 20 and 20a define the interior of the coolant box 10 and 12, respectively.

Furthermore, the interior of the coolant box 10 or 12 is limited by the cover 18 or 18 a.

In the embodiment according to the Fig. 1a to 5 is, which may be otherwise, the heat exchanger 1, which is also referred to as a cooler or can be designed functionally divided into two (part) cooler or (part) heat exchanger. For this purpose, seen in the longitudinal direction 30 at the same height in the two coolant boxes 10, 12, each transverse to this longitudinal direction 30, a partition wall 32 and 34 are provided. It can also be provided in the coolant boxes 10, 12 at different heights in the longitudinal direction 30 partitions arranged (which are not shown in the figures), which cause a serpentine deflection of the coolant.

It can be provided, for example, that the upper part cooler in 1a Part of a high-temperature cooling circuit and the lower part of cooler 38 is part of a low-temperature circuit.

In the first coolant box 10 and in the second coolant box 12 respectively opens a main nozzle 40 and 42, via one of these main nozzle 40, 42 coolant can flow into the upper part of cooler 36 and wherein the other of these nozzles 40, 42, the coolant from the upper part cooler 36 can flow out again.

In a corresponding manner, the lower part of the cooler 38 has a opening into the first coolant box 10 nozzle 44 and opening into the second coolant box 12 nozzle 46. in which case coolant can also flow into the lower part cooler 38 through one of these connecting pieces 44, 46 and can flow out of this lower part cooler 38 through the other of these sockets 46, 44.

In the region of the first coolant box 10, a drain screw 48 is further provided for discharging coolant. Further, in the area of the first Coolant box 10, here in the region of the upper end, a nozzle 50 for the filling with coolant and / or the vent provided.

Fig. 1 b shows a plan view of the design according to Fig. 1 a from above.

Fig. 1 c shows a side view of the design according to Fig. 1 a from the left.

The Fig. 2a to 2f show different views of the first coolant box 10 and the first unit 16 of this first coolant box 10th

The Fig. 2a and 2c show a plan view of the side walls 22 and 24 from the outside. Fig. 2b shows a plan view of the bottom 20 from the outside.

In Fig. 2a and 2c can be well seen that the bottom 20 is wave-shaped.

Fig. 2b clearly shows that slot-shaped openings for receiving the flat tubes of the tube-fin block 14 are provided in the bottom.

The Fig. 2a and 2c can - as well as the Fig. 1a - Be well taken that the tube-rib block 14 facing away from the end of the side walls 22, 24 is substantially substantially straight, and in the region in which the main nozzle is arranged, has a bulge.

This bulging is provided in particular, since the main nozzle 40 is dimensioned here correspondingly large.

The Fig. 2a and 2c can be seen that the partition wall 32 is not up to the tube-rib block facing away from the end of the side walls 22, 24 extends. Nevertheless, this partition 32 divides the interior 62 of the coolant box 10 into two sub-chambers 64, 66.

This is made possible because of the Fig. 2a to 2f cover not shown so far inserted into the first unit 16, so that it bears against this partition wall 32 substantially.

Fig. 2d shows a sectional view taken along the line AA Fig. 2b in partial view. Fig. 2e shows a side view and a corresponding sectional view of the design according to Fig. 2a from the right. Fig. 2f shows a sectional view taken along the line BB Fig. 2b , There is good to see that the bottom 20 is curved.

In Fig. 2d It can be clearly seen that the bottom, which is corrugated in the longitudinal direction 30 and curved between the side walls 22, 24, forms insertion slopes for the flat tubes of the tube / fin block 14 through its wave profile. The slots 60 are arranged substantially in the region of the lower points of the wave profile - seen from the outside. The wave structure also achieves a certain stiffening effect in the region of the bottom.

In Fig. 2d It can be seen that the transition region 68 between the bottom 20 and the end wall 26 and 28 is integrally formed and integrally into a lower part 26-2 and 28-2 of the end wall 26 and 28 passes.

The lower part 26-2 and 28-2 of the end wall 26 and 28 is by a in the Figs. 2e and 2f Bending or folding line 26-3 and 28-3 shown in dashed lines delimited by the upper part 26-1 and 28-1 of the end walls 26 and 28, respectively.

The dashed region 70 schematically indicates that the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 are folded up or bent up along the bending / folding line 26-3, 28-3 during production.

The upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 can be bent, for example, against a stop or against an end face, in particular an end face of the side walls 22, 24.

The Fig. 2c and Fig. 2d can also be well taken that the end walls 26, 28 and the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 in their side walls 22, 24 facing end portions each have lateral tabs or lists 72.

These tabs 72 are in the longitudinal direction 30 and in the direction of the side walls 22, 24 of the end wall 26, 28 and of the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 and off, for example by means of Lotplattieren on the side walls 22 or 24 soldered outside or inside.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that such tabs 72 are respectively provided on the side walls 22 and 24 at the appropriate location and these tabs are bent so that they extend in the direction of the end wall plane and on the corresponding end wall 26, 28 and at the corresponding upper Part 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 - are soldered - in particular by means of Lotplattieren.

The Fig. 3a to 3k show an exemplary cover of the coolant box 10.

It shows the Fig. 3a a side view of the lid 18, Fig. 3b a top view of the lid 18, Fig. 3c a three-dimensional view of the lid 18 from below, Fig. 3d a sectional view taken along the line CC Fig. 3a . Fig. 3e a partial sectional view taken along the line DD Fig. 3b . Fig. 3f a sectional view taken along the line EE Fig. 3b . Fig. 3g a sectional view taken along the line FF Fig. 3a and Fig. 3h a sectional view taken along the line GG Fig. 3a ,

Fig. 3i shows an oblique plan view of the lid according to Fig. 3a in the region of ends of the legs arranged tabs. Fig. 3k shows an enlarged section in the area 80 Fig. 3a ,

The lid 18 has seen in the longitudinal direction 30 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, which fits well in the Fig. 3c . 3d, 3f, 3g, 3h and 3i can be seen.

This U-shape is formed approximately at right angles and is formed by two spaced legs 82, 84, which may also be referred to as flanges, and a connecting portion 86 connecting these two legs.

This cover 18 is inserted on the side facing away from the bottom 20 of the first unit 16 so that the connecting portion 86 faces this floor and the legs 82, 84 protrude in the bottom-facing direction of the connecting portion 86.

Of the legs 82, 84 of the U-shaped profile extend a plurality of tabs 88th

These tabs 88 are designed arcuate in the embodiment. The tabs 88 extend from the ends of the legs 82, 84 facing away from the connection region 86, in particular bent outward. But these tabs 88 may also have a bent course instead of a curved course.

In the tabs 88 end portions of the side walls 22, 24 are received. In the region of these tabs, the side walls 22, 24 are soldered to the lid 18, in particular by solder plating. In particular, the lid is soldered to the first unit in such a way that a tight connection is produced, wherein in particular the method of solder plating can be used.

The tabs 88 are arranged spaced apart as seen in the longitudinal direction 30, so that in this longitudinal direction 30, tab-free regions are formed on the legs 82, 84 between adjacent tabs 88. The tabs 88 continue on the legs 82, 84 in such a way that the lid can be made of a metal sheet.

Due to the size of the opening 40, the lid has a bulge, which is adapted to the shape of the side walls 22, 24 substantially.

The lid also has recesses 90, 92, 94. These depressions extend transversely or perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 30 approximately through the entire lid.

The recesses 90, 92 serve to receive the end walls 26, 28 and the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28. These recesses 90, 92 have run-on slopes, which favor the insertion of the end walls 26, 28 and / or allow centering.

The depressions 90, 92 support the end walls 26, 28 in the longitudinal direction 30, in particular on both sides or in both orientations.

The recess 94, which here has a substantially rectangular cross-section, but may alternatively be provided with run-on slopes, or arched, serves to receive the partition wall 32.

The depressions 90, 92, 94 in particular also facilitate the soldering process in that the corresponding end walls or partitions can be introduced there and subsequently soldered. The soldering can be done in particular by means of solder plating.

As Fig. 3k can be taken well, run out of the wells 90, 92 in this embodiment in a tab-like portion 96 which engages around the end walls 26, 28 and the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 of the end walls 26, 28 from the outside. This tab-like portion 96 is formed so that it essentially at the corresponding end wall 26, 28 and the corresponding upper part 26-1, 28-1 of the end wall 26, 28 first applies and then the free end projects obliquely from this end wall , so that there is a gap between the free end and the corresponding end wall, which promotes the soldering.

The recesses 90, 92 and 94, which are in particular beads or beads with insertion bevels, can serve in particular the fixation and / or the play compensation of the end walls.

The 4 and 5 show detailed sections of the first, one-piece unit 16, 16a of the coolant box according to the invention 10 and 12, respectively Fig. 1 a to 3k.

Fig. 4 shows a side view of a partially completed first, one-piece unit 16 and 16a. There, in particular, the opposite side walls 22 and 24 are shown, as well as the bottom 20, which is formed here arched.

This one-piece unit 16, 16a is formed from a sheet, which was first punched and in which then the side walls 22, 24 were bent.

Before bending the side walls or after bending the side walls, the bottom 20 was deep-drawn. As a result, a closed portion 110 of the end wall 26, 28, i. the lower part 26-2, 28-2 of the end wall 26, 28, formed.

In the region of the bent edge 112 or 26-3, 28-3, in this state of manufacture, a section emerges from the image plane, ie. the upper part 26- i, 28-1 of the end wall 26, 28, which forms the complete end wall 26, 28 at bending or Ktappung to the bending / folding line 26-3, 28-3.

This is good too Fig. 5 to recognize, which is a top view of the design according to Fig. 4 shows. The end wall 26 shown there does not yet have its fully assembled position.

In order to bring the end wall 26 into its position, it or its upper parts 26-1, 28-1 in the context of the manufacturing process after deep drawing to the bending or bending edge 112 and 26-3, 28-3 - in Fig. 5 upwards - bent so that they or the upper parts 26-1, 28-1 with their side flaps 112, 114 at the front end of the side walls 22, 24 abuts or strike.

These tabs 112, 114 are then also bent, in such a way that they are arranged substantially parallel to the side walls 22, 24 and thus form areas for a solder connection with the side walls 2, 24.

As Fig. 5 can be seen well, are given in the areas 116, 118 triangular recesses, which are for example punched and allow for certain applications, a simplified bending.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective cutout of an exemplary coolant box according to the invention 10 and 12, wherein it should be noted that the design according to Fig. 6 also in the embodiment according to Fig. 1a to 3k can be given.

Fig. 6 FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of an alternative first unitary unit 16b, which also includes the bottom 20, side members 22, 24, and end pieces 26, 28 (not shown), but is manufactured from the first unitary unit 16, 16a, respectively in design after 4 and 5 different.

In the view after Figure 6 In particular, the opposite side walls 22 and 24 and the end wall 26 are shown, as well as the bottom 20, which may also be curved here.

This alternative one-piece unit 16b is also formed from a sheet which has first been punched according to a predetermined shape. Subsequent deep drawing of the stamped sheet, the bottom 20, the side parts 22, 24 and the end parts 26, 28 are formed, whereby In the alternative, first, one-piece unit 16b, a laterally and downwardly closed box, which is open at the top, forms.

In this way, an essential component of the coolant box 10 or 12 is advantageously formed in this one step.

As part of the further manufacturing process, the lid 18 is inserted into this box or unit 16b and soldered in particular by means of Lotplattieren with this.

Preferably, the box 10, 12 made of metal, in particular aluminum.

The FIGS. 7a to 7d show an embodiment of a box-lid connection, in which the box 100 is connected to the lid 101. The box 100 in this case has a tube plate 102, in which openings 103 or passages are provided for receiving tubes. Furthermore, the box 100 on side walls 104,105, which are bent starting from the tube plate upwardly substantially at right angles and are placed upwards. By the side walls 104,105 of the box 100 forms a substantially unilaterally open box 100 with four side walls 104,105, which touch on their narrow sides or narrow-side end portions and are sealed together. The lid 101 has at its four edges set up edge portions 106,107, which come into contact with the inner sides and possibly the upper-side narrow sides of the side walls 104,105 and are sealingly connectable with these. Provided on the long sides of the lid 101 are raised edge regions 106, which are set up substantially at right angles to the plane of the lid and which have lobes 108 which are bent over in a U-shape such that they surround the upper-side end regions or narrow sides of the side walls 104. To the short sides of the lid 101 are further provided statements or erected edge portions 107 which are formed in a first region obliquely increasing and have in a wider range substantially U-shaped shape or lobes which engage around the end portion of the side wall 105. In this case, the raised portion 107 contacts the side wall 105 on the outside of the side wall with its inside.

The FIGS. 8a to 8d show a further embodiment of a box-lid connection, in which the box 200 is connected to the lid 201. The box 200 in this case has a tube plate 202, in which openings 203 or passages are provided for receiving tubes. Furthermore, the box 200 on sidewalls 204,205, which are bent starting from the tubesheet upwardly substantially at right angles and are placed upwards. By the side walls 204,205, the box 200 forms a substantially unilaterally open almost rectangular box 200 with four side walls 204,205 which touch on their narrow sides or narrow end portions and are sealed together, for example, are soldered together. The cover 201 has edge regions 206, 204 which are set up at its four edges and which come into contact with the inner sides and possibly the upper-side narrow sides of the side walls 204, 205 and can be sealingly connected thereto. Provided on the long sides of the lid 201 are erected edge regions 206, which are set up substantially at right angles to the plane of the lid and which have lobes 208 which are bent over in a U-shape such that they embrace the upper-side end regions or narrow sides of the side walls 204. The two inner surfaces of the tabs 208 touch the side wall on both sides. On the short sides of the cover 201, furthermore, installations or erected edge regions 207 are provided, which are essentially U-shaped Shaping or corresponding U-shaped tabs 209 which encompass the end region of the side wall 205. In this case, the at least one raised portion 207 or the tabs 209 touches a region of the side wall 205 on both sides with their respective two inner surfaces on the respective outer surface of the side wall 205. By the execution of the joining surfaces as sharp-edged embodiments, for example by deep drawing a larger surface joining surface is generated, so that the available Lotangebot for the dense soldering of box and lid is improved. The assembly is also significantly improved because the joining surfaces advantageously lie substantially gap-free. For this purpose, the tabs or side walls have insertion bevels in order to achieve the gap-free joining together. In the corners of the lid is achieved by the sharp-edged advantageously a concern of the lid to the side walls of the box. For this purpose, advantageously, the corners of the lid and / or the box can be embossed. Also, by applying an additional Lotangebots, such as a solder paste, the Lotangebot be increased to improve a Dichtlöten.

The FIGS. 9 and 10 show embodiments of the invention in which the tabs 250, which are formed substantially U-shaped, in their comb portion 251 have an opening 252 through which passes a tab 253 of the side wall 254 of the box. In this case, the flap 253, as in FIG. 9 shown, laterally bent or, as in FIG. 10 shown deformed by a tool, so that an escape of the lid by peeling off the flap 250 is avoided by the flap 253.

The Figures 11 and 12 show a further embodiment of the invention, in which the box 300 is connectable to the lid 301, wherein in FIG. 11 the box 300 is still carried out separately from the lid 301 and in FIG. 12 the lid 301 is placed on the box 300. The box has four walls, of which only three are shown 302,303,304, which are laterally interconnected, such as by soldering. In a modified embodiment, the box with the side walls can also be made in one piece by deep drawing, so that the joining areas would be omitted at the side edges or side end portions of the walls.

The lid 301 has a peripheral raised edge 305 which can be brought into contact with the inner surface 307 of the side walls 302, 303, 304 of the box 300 with its outer surface 306 to create a sealed joint between the box 300 and the lid 301. Preferably, the lid with the peripheral edge 305 is integrally formed. The lid with edge can be produced for example by deep drawing. As can be seen, the corner 308 of the edge 305 is relatively sharp-edged, so that the lid fits snugly into the likewise relatively sharp-edged corner 309 of the box and soldered the joint connection well sealing in the corner.

Furthermore, it can be seen that the edge 305 of the lid 301 is chamfered at its lower adjoining the bottom of the lid area, see 310, so that this slope serves as an insertion bevel 310 during assembly of the lid 301 in the box 300.

The lid 301 further has projections or lobes 311 which, viewed from the edge 305 together with the latter, are approximately U-shaped and open at the bottom so as to form a receiving space between the rim 305 and the tab 311, in which the upper edge region of the side walls 302 to 304 of the box 300 can engage. For a better introduction of the edge of the box the tabs 311 may be stiffened obliquely downwardly and outwardly to form an insertion slope.

As in the Figures 11 and 12 it can be seen, the corners of the lid are well fitted into the corners of the side walls of the box, so that a secure soldering of the lid and box is reached.

The Figures 13a to 13c and 14a to 14c show a further embodiment of a box 400 with cover 401. The lid 401 is deep-drawn and has a substantially planar central portion 402, which may well have stiffening beads 403. Furthermore, the cover 401 has connection possibilities with openings 404 for introducing and / or discharging a fluid and advantageously gf. For fastening or arrangement of connection flanges or connection tubes 405. In addition, the lid 401 mounting options for holding elements 406, which can be connected to the lid are. These can be riveted, soldered or mechanically joined to the lid, for example.

The lid 401 has a peripheral edge 407, which is raised and approximately U-shaped or rectangular in cross-section to accommodate the upper ends of the side walls of the box 400 can. In this case, the cross section of the edge of the lid 401 may be designed quite comparable, as in the FIGS. 8c . 11 or 12 , In addition, slots 408 or apertures may be made in the ridge area in the u- or rectangular raised edge through which tabs 409 of the rim of the box 400 may pass to secure connection of lid 401 and box 400 prior to soldering. Such lobes 409 are already for example by the FIGS. 9 or 10 shown.

It is advantageous in the embodiment of Figures 13 and 14 in that the corner portion 410 of the lid 401 and the box is made rounded, so that the question of the exact fit of the lid 401 and box 400 in the corner area can be more easily ensured.

Approximately in the center of the lid 401, a receptacle 411 is provided for a partition wall disposed inside the box, which can be used if necessary, so that it can separate the box into two areas. If the partition is not needed, it can also be omitted.

The box 400 has four walls 413, 414, 415 and 416, two of which are short end walls 415 and 416 and two long side walls 413 and 414. These are preferably deep-drawn with the bottom 412 of the box 400 in one piece. In the bottom 412 openings or passages are provided for receiving pipes. Furthermore, in the box 400 side receptacles 417 provided for a partition, which cooperate with the recordings in the lid to a partition, if necessary, autzunehmen or to fix.

The FIG. 15 shows a heat exchanger 500, which has a network on parallel tubes 501 and advantageously arranged therebetween ribs 502. The tubes 501 are sealed in their end regions in boxes 503, 504, the boxes 503, 504 having openings or passages in a tube sheet for this purpose. Furthermore, the boxes have the structure of in the Figures 13 and 14 shown cover and box, wherein on a box connecting piece 505 are provided for supplying and discharging a fluid. Furthermore, holding means 506 can be seen.

Claims (11)

1. A casing for holding a fluid, such as coolant, for a heat exchanger (1), in particular for motor vehicles, having four walls consisting of two side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a) and two end walls (26, 28 or 26a, 28a), a cover (18 or 18a) and a base (20 or 20a) arranged opposite the cover (18 or 18a), in which one or more openings (60) are provided for holding tubes, in particular connecting tubes, such as flat tubes, characterised in that the base, the two end walls (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) and the two side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a) are a one-piece shaped part formed by a shaping method, and the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) has a folding or bending line (26-3) along which the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) is foldable or bendable, wherein a first region of the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) underneath the folding or bending line is drawn, in particular deep-drawn, and a second region of the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) above the folding or bending line is folded or bent about this line.
2. The casing according to claim 1, characterised in that the shaping method is a drawing method, in particular a deep-drawing method.
3. The casing according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the shaped part is a drawn, in particular deep-drawn, and/or hydroformed and/or spin-formed shaped part.
4. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the folding or bending line runs at a predeterminable height of the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a), in particular transversely to a longitudinal direction of the base (20 or 20a).
5. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the predeterminable height lies at or close to a plane defined by lower edges of the side parts.
6. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) is all together drawn, in particular deep-drawn.
7. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) has at least one bracket and/or assembly which is, in particular, arranged on the side and/or which is bendable.
8. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the at least one bracket and/or assembly is bended such that it is arranged essentially parallel to one of the side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a) and/or is connected, in particular by a solder connection, to one of the side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a).
9. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one, in particular two, essentially triangular recesses are formed in the shaped part in a transition region between the base (20 or 20a) and the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a).
10. The casing according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the cover (18 or 18a) has at least one first recess, in particular of the bead type, in which a first one of the end walls (26 or 26a) is received, but, in particular, the first recess (90) and a second recess (92) which is different from said first recess (90) and in which a second end wall (28 or 28a) spaced apart from the first one (26 or 26a) is received.
11. A method for producing a casing for holding a fluid, such as coolant, for a heat exchanger (1), in particular for producing a casing according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that

    - an inner space of the casing is defined by walls which are, specifically, two side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a), two end walls (26, 28 or 26a, 28a), a cover (18 or 18a) and a base (20 or 20a) arranged opposite the cover (18 or 18a),

    - a one-piece part, including the base (20 or 20a), the two end walls (26, 28 or 26a, 28a) and the two side walls (22, 24 or 22a, 24a), is produced by a drawing method or a separating method, in particular by punching, and by folding and bending,

    - said one-piece part is further processed by a shaping method, in particular drawn, especially deep-drawn, and/or hydroformed and/or spin-formed, wherein the at least one end wall (26, 28 or 26a, 28a), in particular the two end walls (26, 28 or 26a, 28a), is or are formed at least partially,

    - said one-piece part is connected, in particular by solder-plating, to another part or additional parts which form(s) the remaining wall(s) defining the inner space of the casing for forming the casing.

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